Tippet ring quality

Purchased an expensive package of very small-sized tippet rings from a major brand. As it ended up the rings were actually shaped more like “washers” than rings. While the top and bottom edges were not sharp they were not totally rounded off either. I discovered this as my 4x knots broke easily at those semi-squared off edges while rigging. Have not seen this with the small sized swivels.

Recommend me some small sized tippet rings that are “rings” please.

Best regards, PW
 
I had the same problem with some pre-tied tenkara leaders, have since been using Rio tippet rings in various sizes with no issues but not sure if that's the major brand your referring to.
 
You can also tie an itty bitty perfection loop where you would tie the tippet ring.
 
I had the same problem with some rings I was using to set up a beach rig. They were cutting 8# Maxima UG. Infuriating!
 
Stonfo reportedly had some tippet rings that had a rough finish damaging - cutting light tippets, but the ones I had purchased from T-Bum were OK. I don't want to throw shade on my (current) favorite T-rod company but over a few months I had problems with the inexpensive "DRAGONtail" brand tippet rings cutting tippets. I sent the owner macro photos of the "washers" I had gotten with pits on the edges making them even worse, alongside Stonfo tippet "rings" that were nicely radiused and smooth, and suggesting he work with his supplier to improve the product. Within a day he responded with a nice email apologizing for the product and saying he had changed (likely from a Chinese) to a Japanese supplier and that I had gotten the older defective rings. He let me know he was sending me a package of his new, and still inexpensive "Nirvana" brand tippet rings. I received them in 3 days and replaced all the defective "washers" on my T-lines.
 
Last edited:
Maybe it's my knot tying skills (or lack of) when attaching leader material to tippet rings that's causing me issues. I use an improved clinch knot on the leader and tippet connections with lots of spit to lubricate the material (nylon and fluoro) but almost always end up with the material having some deformity once cinched tight and the tag trimmed off. I started out with Rio 2 mm tippet rings and then tried another brand (they're 1,300 miles away and I can't remember the second brand). I don't think it's the tippet rings at fault, but maybe.

I use a hemostat to hold the tippet ring when I feed the leader or tippet through the ring and to hold said ring in place while I knot the leader to the ring. Youtube told me to. What technique do others use?
 
Maybe it's my knot tying skills (or lack of) when attaching leader material to tippet rings that's causing me issues. I use an improved clinch knot on the leader and tippet connections with lots of spit to lubricate the material (nylon and fluoro) but almost always end up with the material having some deformity once cinched tight and the tag trimmed off. I started out with Rio 2 mm tippet rings and then tried another brand (they're 1,300 miles away and I can't remember the second brand). I don't think it's the tippet rings at fault, but maybe.

I use a hemostat to hold the tippet ring when I feed the leader or tippet through the ring and to hold said ring in place while I knot the leader to the ring. Youtube told me to. What technique do others use?
The ones I get come on a snap swivel, and I tie a six turn cinch knot while still on the swivel. Tighten the new knot carefully using lots of spit. Pull tag and main line a bit, tug main and swivel, then main and tag again. Trim, test, and then remove from swivel. It will be straight and doesn't fail.
 
Last edited:
The ones I get come on a snap swivel, and I tie a six turn cinch knot while still on the swivel. Tighten the new knot carefully using lots of spit. Pull tag and main line a bit, tug main and swivel, then main and tag again. Trim, test, and then remove from swivel. It will be straight and doesn't fail.
Thanks Mr. Butler.
 
These are the ones I was having trouble with:
IMG_5955.jpeg
 
I use Orvis, just because my local fly shop carries those, and haven't had an issue. I bought some no-name rings from goodness knows where and had four broken tippets in a row, before I took the tippet ring off and did it the hard way (blood knot).
 
I just use the Orvis med. zero issues.

When I momentarily lost them and had to re-tie for some reason (which I can't remember), I just did a little perfection loop like @PhilR ....that connection will never be the weak link.
 
Back
Top